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development proposals in their staff reports so that they produce consistent analysis of
projects to decision-makers and PC members generally agree that this occurs.
However, it was reported by some interviewees that presentations are somewhat
inconsistent among staff members and there is a need to ensure that all presenters
have a command on their projects and applicable regulatory scheme so that answers
can be provided at the meeting.
Best practice communities typically increase presentation consistency by utilizing
presentation templates, providing training/coaching on presentation skills presentation
and discussing issues in advance of hearings to ensure potential questions are
anticipated and can be answered.
124.
Recommendation
: The Community Development Director should consider
establishing a PowerPoint template and include in the Policy and Procedure
Manual, providing presentation training and instituting pre-hearing discussion
with planners as described above.
Staff Support/Accessibility
Commission Interviewees reported that staff is generally cooperative, helpful and
accessible.
Training/Roles and Responsibilities
PC interviewees indicated that new PC members receive orientation training and
packets and that on-going internal and external training on ethics, ex parte
communication, roles and responsibilities, industry trends and other matters though
the League of California Cities, which is a best practice and that members attend
annual Conferences on a rotating basis.
Policies & Procedures Manual (PPM)
The Development Services Technician (DST) created a PPM for Administrative
Processes in December 2015 that outlines procedures related to the Municipal
Services Assistant and DST duties (e.g., over-the-counter processes, etc.) in order to
facilitate training of new employees and raise consistency and competency, which is
excellent.
In addition, an outdated PPM Manual for the Department exists, that is titled,”
"Community Development Department - Policies and Procedures Manual," that
consists of processing procedures relating to City Council, Planning Commission, the
Architectural Review Board and other miscellaneous provisions.